Behavioral Health Specialist (0.8)

As a Behavioral Health Specialist at The Emily Program, your primary responsibilities include facilitating various therapeutic skills groups, providing meal support during therapy sessions, and nurturing a recovery-oriented environment. You'll play an integral role in helping clients develop the necessary skills to manage their eating disorders effectively while engaging in collaborative treatment team meetings.

The position of Behavioral Health Specialist at The Emily Program requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a mental health-related field or equivalent experience with a related degree. Additionally, a valid driver’s license is required. Although prior direct mental health experience is preferred, we value the diverse backgrounds and experiences that all candidates can bring.

At The Emily Program, we prioritize the professional growth of our Behavioral Health Specialists by providing regular supervision, case consultations, and ongoing training. Team involvement in treatment strategy development not only enhances your skills but also contributes significantly to our holistic approach in client care.

The typical work schedule for a Behavioral Health Specialist at The Emily Program encompasses full-time hours, particularly Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, along with Saturday from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. This structure allows you to engage deeply with clients while maintaining a balanced professional life.

Behavioral Health Specialists at The Emily Program enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, 401(k) plans with matching contributions, generous paid time off, and company-paid life insurance. Our goal is to ensure our employees have the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

When facilitating therapeutic groups, I focus on creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves. I employ interactive techniques, such as mindfulness and art activities, to keep clients engaged and help them develop coping strategies. I believe active participation fosters healing and encourages peer support.

In therapy sessions, I assess clients' immediate needs by observing their interactions and responses. If a client is struggling with expressing emotions, I may gently steer the conversation towards their feelings, encouraging them to share. Moreover, I prioritize open communication with team members for a cohesive approach to client care.

The key skills for a Behavioral Health Specialist include empathy, communication, adaptability, and strong observational skills. Empathy allows us to connect with clients, while effective communication fosters a trusting therapeutic alliance. Being adaptable helps us to modify therapeutic activities based on client responses and needs.

In the event of a crisis, my priority would be to de-escalate the situation calmly and ensure the immediate safety of the client and others involved. I would utilize my training to employ grounding techniques and involve team members if necessary to provide additional support, while managing to keep group dynamics stable.

To create a recovery-oriented environment, I encourage open dialogue and support among clients, emphasizing their strengths and achievements. I also incorporate elements of choice and autonomy in activities, empowering clients to actively engage in their recovery process.

I meticulously follow the guidelines set by The Emily Program for clinical documentation, ensuring that all client interactions are recorded promptly and accurately. I stay informed about regulatory standards through ongoing education and open communication with my supervisors.

I find that interactive and experiential techniques, such as art or mindfulness exercises, are particularly effective for encouraging client participation in therapy. These creative approaches not only engage clients but also foster a sense of community and cohesion within the group.

In handling conflicts between clients, I emphasize the importance of respectful dialogue. I encourage clients to express their perspectives and mediate the discussion to help them find common ground while reinforcing conflict resolution skills that align with recovery principles.

Self-care is essential for maintaining my well-being and effectiveness as a Behavioral Health Specialist. I practice mindfulness, seek supervision when needed, and engage in activities that recharge me, so I can be fully present for my clients and offer the best support possible.

My motivation to work in behavioral health stems from a deep passion for helping individuals navigate their recovery journey. Witnessing clients make strides in overcoming challenges and improving their lives gives me immense fulfillment and drives my commitment to this important field.